Thursday night (14/12/2024), the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program held a puppet show with the play Gajahmada Kridha (Ra Kuti Balela). The night was also the night of the awarding to the winners of the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX competition, this puppet show was also held in commemoration of World Shadow Puppet Day. The puppet performance was held in Greenland, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. Masterminded by M. Rafi Nur Fauzy, a 2023 student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program and in collaboration with the Surakarta Style Javanese Arts Unit (UKJGS) UGM, the Gajahmada Kridha puppet show went smoothly.

Based on an interview with Rafi, Gadjahmada Kridha (Ra Kuti Balela) tells the story of Gajah Mada’s role in suppressing the rebellion of Ra Kuti, a Dharmaputra or courtier at that time. Ra Kuti’s rebellion was based on dissatisfaction with King Jayanegara who was very weak and easily manipulated by his subordinates. This made some of his courtiers unhappy, including Ra Kuti. Ra Kuti wanted to restore the dignity of Majapahit at that time. However, it turned out that Ra Kuti’s idea was not approved by the community so that the community considered that Ra Kuti was committing a rebellion. When Ra Kuti successfully occupied the capital, Jayanegara was escaped by Bhayangkara’s troops. After strategizing, the Bhayangkara troops were able to turn the situation around and Ra Kuti died at the hands of Gajah Mada.

The rebellion carried out by Ra Kuti changed an Gajah Mada who was initially only a commander of soldiers then appointed as patih. The beginning of Ra Kuti’s rebellion as Dharmaputra was caused by a divide and conquer, by Mahapati, a cunning person. He made a strategy so that all Majapahit predecessors were finished and Mahapati could steer the country, even though he did not want the position of king. Gajahmada, who knew Mahapati’s guise, succeeded in making Mahapati die at the hands of Gajah Mada.

Puppet performance of Gajahmada Kridha (Ra Kuti Balela)

There were many processes involved in writing the script for this puppet show. With the help of R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., and Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., as academics and wayang practitioners, Rafi revealed “Initially I read Negara Kertagama but there was no explicit role of Gajah Mada in it. Then in consultation with Mr. Bima and Mr. Rudy, I was advised to read comics, tutur tinular, and Pararaton.” Being able to perform his own hand-drawn sanggit is a proud and enjoyable thing for Rafi. However, unfortunately there is a lack of appreciation from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences regarding this puppet performance. It is a good first step for the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program to organize a puppet show at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, especially to introduce students and residents of Universitas Gadjah Mada to puppetry.

It is hoped that with this wayang performance, more and more students and the general public will be interested in puppetry, because basically puppets in this globalization era are more flexible, not fixated on puppetry conventions. It does not require classical wayang, but it can also be contemporary according to each taste. For the younger generation to be able to love wayang from what they find interesting, it can be from the music accompaniment, the story, and the characters. There are many life lessons that can be learned from puppetry, which can be used for later life.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Editor: Sandya Kirani]

After successfully becoming the Princess Cultural Ambassador of Yogyakarta 2024, Kintan Dewinta Putri, a student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2022, continued her struggle by representing the Special Region of Yogyakarta in the Indonesian Cultural Ambassador 2024 event. The search for the 2024 Indonesian Cultural Ambassador was held on September 19-21, 2024 in the city of Surabaya, East Java. 

During the four-day event, Kintan received a lot of training and workshops such as how to build personal branding and material about skin health. Many activities were carried out by Kintan together with other Cultural Ambassadors from various regions, ranging from photoshoots to city tours. “I was feeling down and overthinking not being able to bring the title, but Alhamdulillah, I was still given the trust as the 1st Runner Up of the 2024 Indonesian Cultural Ambassador,” said Kintan regarding her impression.

Kintan Dewinta Putri wearing a typical Yogyakarta Besiyaran outfit

Kintan’s experiences and achievements are expected to be a motivation for students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, and be able to benefit the people around both now and in the future. Kintan conveyed a message that all young people should not be ashamed to start something because success must also begin with effort. Kintan added hope that the big family of Indonesian Cultural Ambassadors will be closer, maintained solidarity and unity among the diversity of Indonesian culture. 

Kintan’s steps as Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassador 2024 and 1st Runner Up Indonesian Cultural Ambassador 2024 should be an example for students and the general public regarding the role of preserving local culture. Not only Cultural Ambassadors have a duty to preserve culture, but it is an obligation for all levels of society. Increasing tolerance and strengthening unity can start as a good first step.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Sandya Kirani]

The cooperation between the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, UGM and the Department of Anthropology, FISIP, Universitas Padjadjaran resulted in several collaborative works, one of which is a visiting lecture at the campus. On May 14, 2024, Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A. was asked to teach at Padjadjaran University in the S1 Community Development and S2 Applied Anthropology classes. The lecture was held openly with the theme of the event “Rural and Agrarian Issues and Problems” moderated by Prof. Dr. H. Opan Suhendi Suwartaoradja, M.Si.

On that occasion, Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A. gave a lecture with the material “Participatory Action Research as the Power of Empowerment Anthropology”. He began with the history of the development of anthropology in Indonesia which was present starting as the leading anthropology of development (modernization agenda) where anthropologists were asked to succeed various programs with the role of mapping the potential and socio-cultural barriers to find solutions to these various problems. The development programs that involve the role of anthropologists include transmigration, green revolution, family planning, resettlement of alienated tribes, rural community development and so on. However, development anthropology has been criticized, giving rise to empowerment anthropology where participatory action research is used as a method of community empowerment or often called participatory action research (PAR). The advantages of using PAR are seeing problems that are more micro, detailed, emic descriptive, reflective, critical and more impartial. In addition, it can be used as material for the preparation of local scale development programs, advocacy, and education for the community.

Related to this, Prof. Bambang Hudayana shared the experience of research and community service in BUMDES Karangrejek, Gunung Kidul, which previously always experienced drought during the dry season. Then in 1998 the youth of the region initiated the construction of underground river water wells with the collaboration of UGM KKN students. The construction of the well was successful, even surplus water and sold outside the village to build several business units (village mart) and savings and loans from the profits managed by BUMDES.

In addition to this story, best practice was also shared on the Empowerment of Giriloyo batik artisans in Imogiri who were victims of the 2006 tectonic disaster. The PAR identified victim profiles, needs, funding schemes and forms of participation of affected communities. Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A. also shared PAR promoting cassava for food sovereignty in Indonesia which uses a local asset based approach; access based approach; people centered development. Not only that, Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A. also shared the tradition of PRA in other countries. In the lecture, students seemed enthusiastic by asking various questions.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science, Author: Dewi W, Editor: Sandya Kirani]

Universitas Gadjah Mada Sports and Arts Week or Porsenigama is a forum for students to perform in non-academic fields. The inter-faculty competition is divided into two stems, namely sports and arts stems. The purpose of organizing this competition is to foster sportsmanship, creativity, and solidarity among students of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

This moment is considered appropriate to see the seeds of achievement and development of student talent interests. In 2024, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences has won a gold medal in the art photography category. The first winner was Puspita Nindya Sari, a 2023 outstanding student who is currently studying in the Cultural Anthropology Undergraduate Study Program.

Aya’s work in the Porsenigama 2024 Photography Competition

A woman who is familiarly called Aya presents a portrait of a Balinese dancer as a response to this year’s theme of desire. Beautifully presented by emphasizing the side of facial expressions that are typical of Balinese dance, Aya wants to show the strength of the eyes or seledet. In addition, Aya also showcases the fast-paced nature of Balinese music with visuals of body expressions worked on with a photography technique called motion blur.

Aya’s ability to photograph did not come suddenly. Aya shared that her interest in photography started in 2011 and she began to pursue it when she was in high school. Upon entering college, she started her career as a professional photographer by providing graduation, stage, and event documentation services, until she was recruited as a staff photographer at the 2024 Documentary Film Festival.

Aya’s achievement in winning the gold medal at Porsenigama 2024 shows how quality education can open up opportunities for students to develop their potential and achieve. Participation in competitions like this also reflects the importance of responsible consumption and production in the creation of meaningful and impactful works of art. By continuing to hone their skills and collaborate in various fields, students not only contribute to their own development, but also to the advancement of a more inclusive and sustainable society, in line with the goals of the SDGs.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science, Sandya Kirani]

On October 19, 2024, the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program held the opening ceremony of Abhiseka Kramasisya and a talk show with lecturers and alumni who became speakers for new students. Abhiseka Kramasisya is a routine event organized by the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. In 2024, Abhiseka Kramasisya invited speakers who have a lot of experience that can be shared with new students. All invited speakers have extraordinary careers in their respective fields. New students get motivation and an overview of the various professions undertaken by alumni. Starting from being a courtier to entering the entertainment world, the diversity of professions of alumni of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program shows that Javanese Literature and Culture can develop in any field.

Picture 1 Lecturers on study program workshop

Before entering the talk show with alumni, new students were first introduced to departmental materials delivered by lecturers who were present, both offline and online. The lecturers who attended offline included Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., Imam Prakoso, S.S., M.A. delivered departmental material in accordance with their respective majors. Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., accompanied by Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., explained the philology section. Starting from the definition of philology to the process of learning philology. Followed by a presentation by Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., explaining the specialization of linguistics, and the last one was delivered by R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., who explained the literature section. Then there were several lecturers who joined online because they were continuing their studies abroad, including Yosephin Priastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., who was continuing her studies at Leiden University. Nurmalia Habibah, S.S., M.A., who is in France to continue her studies at PSL University, and finally there is Zakariya Pamuji Aminullah, S.S., M.A., who is in Germany and studying at Universitat Hamburg.

Picture 2 Lecturers who attended online

This departmental session was well received by all Abhiseka Kramasisya participants. “The material makes me more familiar with the study program, so I understand more about the majors tomorrow, it’s also fun to get to know all the lecturers,” said Andini Nuraini, one of the new students participating in Abhiseka Kramasisya. With this session, it is hoped that new students can find out information about the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, be able to guide their knowledge to achieve noble goals, and always preserve Javanese culture.

The event continued with an alumni talk show delivered by 3 speakers namely Sukma Putri, Razan Bahri, and Rizky Inggar. The first speaker, Sukma Putri, conveyed information related to her current profession as a servant of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace. Sukma also conveyed the message and impression of being a student of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The motivation given by Sukma to new students is very interesting, “Thank you for choosing Javanese Literature, because your first step in choosing here can already create a big step in the future. Cheer up to all of you, be healthy and sane always because you deserve a beautiful miracle from what you have chosen,” she wrote in one of the powerpoint slides shown.

Picture 3 Sukma Putri delivered her material

Razan Bahri as the second speaker, he attended this event online because he was abroad, to be precise he worked as a staff of the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne. Some new students get the view that being a student of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture does not limit them from having a job outside their major. Razan Bahri said that mastering English at this time is an important thing that must be done, without excluding the use of mother tongue and Indonesian. Using English to introduce Javanese culture in the international arena can initiate steps to preserve Javanese culture and promote it further.

Picture 4 Razan Bahri delivered his material

The third speaker was an alumni student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, which was then still called Sastra Nusantara class of 2003, she plunged into the world of Indonesian entertainment. She has participated in many television programs, she is famous as a female comedian who is very multitalented, in addition to her jokes that always succeed in making people laugh, she is a singer who can also play roles. Rizky Inggar Lukitovati, who is often called Mbak Kiky, was the speaker at the Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024 alumni talk show. Entered in several award nominations and won one of them, Rizky Inggar told the beginning of her career until she could reach her current life. Rizky Inggar gave many views that the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program will one day create many great people who can be influential for the future. In fact, the image as a Javanese with his medhok dialect was able to bring Rizky Inggar to become a famous artist who has a strong identity and characteristics today. This shows that the existence of Javanese culture is valued and should be empowered, so that it does not become extinct. Rizky Inggar also emphasized to continue to be enthusiastic about achieving dreams even though there are many obstacles in the way, with confidence and determination, everything can be achieved.

Picture 4 Rafael Raga’s conversation as moderator with Rizky Inggar

In the talk show with alumni, students get provisions to undergo the world of lectures. The three speakers also provided some motivation to students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program who might feel pessimistic about their job prospects after graduation. Emphasizing that Javanese Satra students must believe that their expertise is needed in various sectors, especially in the creative industry, media, and education. The warm and insightful discussion provided many valuable lessons for all participants, especially in facing an increasingly competitive professional world. The speakers who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes provided a broad perspective on the various opportunities that students can take advantage of after graduation. Through this talk show, it is hoped that students can be motivated to continue working and prepare themselves to face future challenges that are full of opportunities.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Sandya Kirani]